Beach still closed after NSW shark attack

Beaches in NSW's mid-north coast remain closed after a bodyboarder was attacked by a shark.

A 38-year-old man, named in media reports as Dale Carr, remains in a stable condition at a Port Macquarie hospital after being mauled while bodyboarding with a friend at Lighthouse Beach on Saturday evening.

He suffered leg, back and stomach injuries while escaping the suspected three-metre bull shark.

Mr Carr is reportedly a father-of-two and a former rugby league player for the Port Macquarie Sharks.

"Our healing and loving thoughts go to one of our friends and ex players Dale Carr and his family," the club said in a statement on Facebook.

"We are here for any support we can give, you mean a lot to your buddies Dale."

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peter Besseling said scientists were working to confirm initial reports the 38-year-old was attacked by a three-metre long bull shark.